Crispy Sourdough French Toast Recipe

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French Toast is one of my favorite breakfast foods. I wake up some mornings just thinking about it and must make it. I mean, it is simple to make with just a few simple ingredients, but to me, the bread is what makes it.

Sure, you can use brioche bread, Challah bread, or Texas toast, but what I like to use is sourdough bread to make this Crispy Sourdough French Toast Recipe. In my opinion, this makes the best French toast. Once you try this recipe, it will be your go-to recipe for delicious French Toast.

What Is Sourdough French Toast?

At the very basic, French toast is a dish that uses sliced bread that is soaked in egg custard. Then it is pan-fried until crispy golden brown. Most people know this recipe as French Toast, but it does go by many other names such as Eggy Bread, Bombay Toast, Gypsy Toast, Spanish Toast, or Poor Knights. Surprisingly, in France, it is simply known as Pain Perdu.

According to Science Questions with Surprising Answers, Americans gave the popular name to this dish because French Immigrants in America popularized this dish.

The French themselves called this dish Roman Bread, as it was invented before France even existed. Most believe that the Romans were the ones who created this recipe. Hence Roman Bread. Talk about an old recipe!

French Toast is a good way to use up that stale bread that you have lying around. Since you dip the bread in a liquid, it gives the stale old bread some moisture and creates this awesome texture of crispy on the outside, and cakelike on the inside.

For this reason of using stale bread, some cultures call this recipe Lost Bread. In my humble opinion, Sourdough Bread French Toast is the best.

Is Sourdough Bread French Toast the Best?

I am sure everyone has their favorite bread to use when making French toast. I have tried just about every kind you can think of, and while they are all good, using this sourdough bread made from potato flake starter is my favorite.

Some other popular choices are brioche bread, challah bread, Texas toast, or even just plain ole white bread. You can also use traditional sourdough bread as well.

If you are interested in finding the perfect bread choice for Grilled Cheese, check out this post here.

What makes this recipe unique is the type of sourdough bread we are using. When you make sourdough bread using the potato flake starter, the bread turns out less sour than traditional sourdough. Also, the texture is fluffier and more cakelike. It also has a thinner less “crusty” crust on it.

To me, if you make this sourdough bread from a potato flake starter, you will love using the old stale loaf to make this crispy sourdough French toast.

Whichever bread you choose, make sure you have some nice thick slices of bread. Half-an-inch to one-inch slices make the perfect balance of bread when making this crunchy French toast recipe.

How to Make Sourdough French Toast

Ingredients

Bread

As stated before, I use sourdough bread made for this recipe. You can make this ahead of time but if you are in a pinch, you can simply use whatever bread you have on your hands such as Texas toast or plain ole white bread. You will need 10 to 12 slices of bread.

Eggs

You will need 4 large eggs

Milk

I like to use half and half in my custard mixture. It creates a richer custard. If you do not have that, you can use whole milk or skim milk. You will need 1 cup of milk.

Cinnamon

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Pure Vanilla Extract

I love the way vanilla heightens this dish. I always try to use pure vanilla extract if I can. You will need 1 teaspoon of Vanilla extract.

Sugar

one tablespoon of white sugar

Salt

I like to add in a pinch of salt. This helps to balance the flavors out. Even though this is a sweet dish, salt brings the flavors out.

Butter

You will need 3 tablespoons of butter

Step by Step How to Make Sourdough French Toast

Step 1: Grab a large shallow dish or shallow bowl. Add in the eggs and milk. Using a whisk, beat the eggs and milk mixture together. Add in the cinnamon, salt, and vanilla, and mix those as well.

Step 2: Heat an electric griddle, large frying pan, or large skillet to medium heat to medium-low heat and add in one tablespoon of butter.

Step 3: Dip one slice of bread in the mixture. Let it sit for about 10 seconds, then flip it over. Allow that side to sit for 10 seconds. Pick the slice up and allow the excess to drip off, then add to your pan.

Step 4: You will continue this process until you have your pan full. Fry the Crispy Sourdough French Toast until that side is golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then flip over and fry the other side until it is crispy golden brown. Add butter as needed. 

Pro Tip: If you are having trouble finding a shallow flat dish, a pie pan or pie plate works great for this. Also, If you want to make the French toast even Crispier and crunchier, crush up cornflakes, then dip the sourdough French toast in the cornflakes after you have dipped them in the egg mixture. This will create a very crispy French toast. If you do not have cornflakes, another trick is to use panko breadcrumbs. Either one of these will create a crunchy coating.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Electric Griddle
• Whisk
• Shallow Dish
• Spatula

Sourdough French Toast Topping Ideas

• Powder Sugar
• Real Maple Syrup
• Fresh Berries-Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberries.
• Fresh Fruit-Bananas, Peaches, Baked Apples.
• Warm Butter
• Cinnamon Sugar
• Whipped Cream
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Hazelnut Spread like Nutella
• Carmel Syrup or Caramel Sauce

FAQ’s

What Can I Do With Left Over Sourdough French Toast?

You can place leftover French toast in a sealed container or a ziplock bag. Place in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Do I have to Use Sourdough Bread?

No, with this recipe, you can substitute whatever bread choice you prefer.

Can I Use Imitation Vanilla?

Yes, you can use imitation vanilla but for best results, I would use pure vanilla extract.

How Do I Reheat Leftover French Toast?

You can reheat leftover French Toast in the microwave. Use a cover or towel placed over it to allow some of the moisture to be trapped. This will keep the French Toast from Drying out while reheating.

What is the recommended thickness for the bread slices?

Aim for slices that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick for best results.

Any tips for making this recipe Vegan?

Replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute, use plant-based milk such as almond milk, and choose a dairy-free butter or oil for frying.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free sourdough bread or a gluten-free bread of your choice for a gluten-free version.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk, but buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and extra richness to the recipe.

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